Theodore Roosevelt
By Dane Cooper
Pre-Presidential HistoryRoosevelt held many professions
A hunter, a cowboy, the NYPD Police commissioner, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Governor of New York, and a War Hero
He went on to become the Vice President
In 1901, at 43, TR became the youngest President due to the assassination of McKinley
Respect to McKinleyTR stated he would maintain his predecessor’s
policies
Vowed to preserve and expand on McKinley’s programs
He also kept all of his cabinet members
“It is a dreadful thing to come into the Presidency in this way; but it would be far worse to be mordbid about it. Here is the task, and I have got to do it to the best of my ability.”
Drastic Changes TR changed the Presidency forever, and did
many things that were never done before
Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and The Pure Food and Drug Act
Conserved over 230 million acres of land
Negotiated the 1902 settlement to the Anthracite Coal Strike (first time federal government intervened in a labor dispute
Brought a special never before seen charisma to the White House
Made the President the official center of American Politics, previously held by Congress
Believed that the Federal Government had an obligation to bring equality to the American Public
He did this by regulating big business, “trust-buster”
A Fair and Just Leader
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYn5FJnvrZk
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing”
“The best executive is one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
He was also extremely humble and honest, “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month”
Foreign Policy Revolutionized US involvement in foreign affairs
“Speak softly and carry a big stick”
Believed US had a global responsibility and that a strong foreign affairs policy served the country
Brought stability to Venezuela and San Domingo
“Open-Door” Policy with China
Panama Canal
Ended the Russian/Japanese war – and received a Nobel Peace Prize
Key figure in keeping European Powers balanced
Sent The Great White Fleet around the world
MediaA fan of the people
Changed how the Executive Office used the Media
Made sure the White House was the center of the News every day Held press conferences Kept in constant contact with media Was always extremely enthusiastic, friendly and positive
Used this to his advantage both Politically and in general“believe you can and you’re halfway there”
Understood that public opinion was extremely important “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success
is knowing how to get along with people”
Still Had Critics Some viewed him as too ambitious
Another issue was that he wanted to regulate and control too many things
“That fellow at the other end of the avenue wants everything from the birth of Christ, to the death of the devil.”
Theodore’s View of the Presidency
He lead the US to great prosperity, all while changing the way the President leads
Was and is still an example of how to lead
Had an infectious enthusiasm towards being the President, and leading justly
Believed that he should act, and do what he believed was right
“I don’t believe anyone has enjoyed the White House as much as I have”
Works CitedBerryman, Clifford. "Progressivism Political Cartoons.” Apus-b -. Clifford Berryman, 1907. Web. 25 June 2015.
Crezo, Adrienne. "The Time Teddy Roosevelt Got Shot in the Chest, Gave Speech Anyway." Mental Floss. Will Pearson, 2012. Web. 25 June 2015.
"Miller Center." American President: Theodore Roosevelt: Impact and Legacy. Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015.
"President Theodore Roosevelt on Liberty." YouTube. YouTube, 2007. Web. 25 June 2015.
"Real Teddy Bear Story." - Theodore Roosevelt Association. Theodore Roosevelt Association, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015.
Sheppary, Brad, Jr. "The 26th US President - Theodore Roosevelt." The 26th US President - Theodore Roosevelt. Sheppard Software, n.d. Web. 25 June
2015.
"Teddy Roosevelt Foreign Policy Cartoon." Stand Up For America. N.p., 29 Oct. 2009. Web. 25 June 2015.
"Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site." Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. National Parks Conservation Association, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015.
"Theodore Roosevelt." Iz Quotes. The College Graduate and Public Life, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015.
"Theodore Roosevelt Quotes." BrainyQuote. Xplore, n.d. Web. 25 June 2015.
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